En route to the graduation ceremonies, Oprah was led by the hand by none other than President Obama's good friend and Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.

The billionaire brandished an irrepressible grin as she was paraded through the legendary Harvard Yard while both Ivy League professors and graduating students snapped mementos of the celebrity - who was dressed in the school's iconic black cap and crimson gown.

And just moments before she was granted the coveted diploma, Oprah displayed her celebratory spirit by giving Boston Mayor Thomas Menino a high fiveas he too was about receive his own doctor of laws.

Getting teary: The legendary interviewer was clearly touched by the ceremony

Congratulatory squeeze: Oprah gave a hug to Vice President and Secretary of the University Marc Goodheart

Quite the accomplishment: The billionaire was raised poor in Mississippi and now at 59 owns a media empire

Grateful showing: Oprah made a bow of thanks for her honour

But it was Harvard President Drew Faust who got the most attention from the television star.

Placing a friendly hand on the head administrator's shoulders, The Color Purple actress posed for sweet portraits wearing her biggest smile yet.

The show of fellowship comes after President Faust explained the university's choice in inviting Oprah to be their commencement speaker.

Faust cited the icon's rags to riches story as a powerful source of inspiration: 'Oprah’s journey from her grandmother’s Mississippi farm to becoming one of the world’s most admired women is one of the great American success stories.'

Harvard graduate: The television icon was clearly thrilled by the honour

Joyful moment: Oprah gave Boston Mayor Thomas Menino a high five at the ceremonies

The university administrator continued to praise Oprah's philanthropic spirit in the official press release published in the Harvard Crimson, noting her commitment to education.

Faust explained: 'She has used her extraordinary influence and reach as a force for good in the world, with a constant focus on the importance of educational opportunity and the virtues of serving others'

Included in these efforts is Oprah’s Angel Network, which has raised more than $70million since 1998 and built more than 50 schools in 13 countries around the world.

Quite a pair: The talk show host shared a laugh with Harvard University President Drew Faust

Lesson in the yard: Professor Gates appeared to point out a historic landmark on the iconic university grounds

According to USA Today, she continued with a nostalgic reflection on her humble roots: ‘Not too many girls from rural Mississippi have made it all the way here to Cambridge. ... I consider today to be a defining milestone.'

Adding: ‘While I may not have graduated from here, my personality is about as Harvard as they come.’

No false modesty: Oprah claimed 'my personality is about as Harvard as they come'

Flanked on all sides: Oprah and Professor Gates strolled past the iron statue of John Harvard through the centre of campus

Emotional day: The 59-year-old was clearly moved by the day's festivities

Ending her speech on a didactic note, the mega star shared an anecdote: ‘I have to say the single most important lesson I learned in 25 years is there's a common denominator in our experience: We want to be validated.

'We want to be understood. I've done over 35,000 interviews in my career and as soon as that camera shuts off, everyone always turns to me and says, “Was that OK?”

'I heard it from President Bush. I heard it from President Obama... I even heard it from Beyoncé in all her Beyoncéness!"

Always the entertainer: The media mogul played for laughs with the head administrator

End game: Oprah later gave a handshake to the Boston Mayor after their high five session

Never married Winfrey wore a ring with a design on it on her left ring finger, but it's not the Harvard crest

Winfrey joins an esteemed line up of previous commencement speakers, including Kofi A. Annan and Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates.

Forbes listed Winfrey as the 11th most powerful woman in the world last year.